Medical Coder in Virginia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for VA
How to Become a Medical Coder in Virginia
To become a medical coder in Virginia, state licensure is not required; however, professional certification from national organizations is a standard expectation for employment. Aspiring coders typically complete a certification preparation course, which can range from a few months to a year, and then pass an exam such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) by AAPC or the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) by AHIMA. Maintaining certification generally requires completing continuing education units every two years.
Medical Coder Requirements in Virginia
| Detail | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | No state-level licensing body (Certification by national organizations is standard) |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | High school diploma or GED equivalent; completion of a certification preparation course is highly recommended and often preferred by employers. |
| Exam | Commonly CPC (AAPC), CCS (AHIMA), or CBCS (NHA) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 36.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Medical coding is not a state-licensed profession in Virginia. Certification is voluntary at the state level but is a standard requirement for employment. Certifications are offered by national organizations like AAPC (e.g., CPC), AHIMA (e.g., CCS), and NHA (e.g., CBCS). Some certifications, like the CPC, may require two years of work experience or 80 contact hours of a coding preparation course plus one year of on-the-job experience for full status. |
Source: No state-level licensing body (Certification by national organizations is standard)
Medical Coder Salary in Virginia
The median medical coder salary in Virginia is $51,780 per year, which is 3.0% above the national median of $50,250.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $35,560 |
| 25th | $42,600 |
| 50th (median) | $51,780 |
| 75th | $63,450 |
| 90th (experienced) | $76,560 |
Virginia employs approximately 4,980 medical coders.
Medical Coder Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Medical Coder in Virginia Worth It?
Factors to consider: Virginia's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, strong job growth, and your personal career goals.